Last Minute (September 1st through September 5th) Members $399, Non-Members $444

At the Door (September 11th only) Members $425, Non-Members $470

Refund Policy: Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers will gladly refund your conference registration fees, less a $50.00 processing fee. You must notify the conference chair to cancel your conference registration 31 or more days before the conference date. Please contact conference@rmfw.org, to cancel. RMFW is unable to refund any conference registration fees 30 days or fewer before the conference date.

Registration fee includes:

A free pitch appointment with one of your top-choice agents, editors or publishers

A free author reading of your work in progress to an audience of supportive peers (sign-up space is limited to 30 readers)

Entry to the Friday-night book sale and

author-signing extravaganza

Access to all open programming

Access to hotel amenities, including business center, wireless Internet in hotel lobby and bar, restaurant, lounge, coffee shop, and gift shop (WiFi is not available in the classrooms)

Tote bag containing conference literature and small gifts

Friday-night Italian buffet

Saturday and Sunday continental breakfast

Saturday-night awards and recognition banquet

Sunday-afternoon luncheon

Optional special sessions and add-ons include:

$60 for a 4-hour Master Class. Choose 1 of 5 offered this year. Space is limited.

$40 to participate in a 4-hour Friday-morning or Friday-afternoon critique workshop with a small group moderated by an attending agent or editor. Space is limited.

$15 to audit a 4-hour Friday-morning or Friday-afternoon critique workshop with a small group moderated by an attending agent or editor. Auditors attend but do not submit pages for critique. Space is limited.

Every year, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers is pleased to present the Colorado Gold Conference, where hundreds of writers from all over the US and beyond gather for a full weekend of writerly camaraderie, exciting programming, and opportunities to pitch projects to the industry's top agents and editors. Programming focuses on the following key areas:

Craft improvement

Genre knowledge

Career management

Industry savvy

Continuing education and professional development for published authors

Whether you're new to the idea of becoming a writer or you're a veteran published author, whether you hope to pursue a traditional publishing contract with a big New York publishing house or launch a self-publishing venture, you're sure to find the skills, knowledge, inspiration, motivation, and support you need at Colorado Gold.

2015 Proposal Submission Info

RMFW's conference chair accepts workshop proposals for the Colorado Gold Conference January 1st through March 31 of 2015. Please note the competition for faculty positions is fierce. To help you create the best possible proposal, here are some suggestions to help you make your proposal stand out:

Make your topic fresh, unique, and relevant to the industry's current climate.

Focus your proposal on concrete knowledge or skills attendees can take away and apply to their own writing.

Reflect genuine enthusiasm for the topic.

If you proposal is based upon a traditional topic, approach it from a unique angle.

Share your credentials and speaking/teaching experience.

Be detailed so that the committee can understand what attendees will learn in your workshop.

Be very clear about the level (beginner, intermediate, professional) of workshop you are presenting.

Prepare an outline of your workshop to submit with your proposal.

2015 Keynote Speakers

Jeffery Deaver, Author & Keynote Speaker
Mystery, Crime, Thriller

A former journalist, folksinger and attorney, Jeffery Deaver is an international number-one bestselling author. His novels have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including the New York Times, the Times of London, Italy’s Corriere della Sera, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Los Angeles Times. His books are sold in 150 countries and have been translated into over twenty-five languages.

The author of thirty-two novels, three collections of short stories and a nonfiction law book, he’s received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world. His The Bodies Left Behind was named Novel of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association, and his Lincoln Rhyme thriller The Broken Window and a stand-alone, Edge, were also nominated for that prize. He has been awarded the Steel Dagger and the Short Story Dagger from the British Crime Writers’ Association and the Nero Wolfe Award, and he is a three-time recipient of the Ellery Queen Readers Award for Best Short Story of the Year and a winner of the British Thumping Good Read Award. The Cold Moon was named the Book of the Year by the Mystery Writers Association of Japan, as well as by Kono Mystery Wa Sugoi magazine. In addition, the Japanese Adventure Fiction Association awarded the The Cold Moon and Carte Blanche their annual Grand Prix award.

Deaver has been nominated for seven Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America, an Anthony Award and a Gumshoe Award. He was recently shortlisted for the ITV3 Crime Thriller Award for Best International Author.

His book A Maiden’s Grave was made into an HBO movie starring James Garner and Marlee Matlin, and his novel The Bone Collector was a feature release from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. His novel The Devil’s Teardrop was adapted for the screen and aired on Lifetime; it starred Tom Everett Scott and Natasha Henstridge. And, yes, the rumors are true; he did appear as a corrupt reporter on his favorite soap opera, As the World Turns. Here are the pictures to prove it!

He was born outside Chicago and has a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a law degree from Fordham University. Learn more about Jeffery Deaver by reading the Q & A with the most frequently asked questions.

Referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, Desiree Holt is the world’s oldest living published erotic romance author with over 170 published works. A graduate of the University of Michigan with double majors in English and History, her earlier careers include agent and manager in the music industry, public television, associate vice president of university advancement, public relations, and economic development.

She is three times a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award (and a winner in 2014), a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award winner for best BDSM book of the year, and winner of the Holt Medallion for Excellence in Romance Literature.

She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times, The Huffington Post and numerous other national and international publications. She is also the Authors After Dark 2014 Author of the Year.

“Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” (Romance Junkies)

Danielle Burby graduated from Hamilton College with honors and a double major in Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. Before finding her home at HSG, she interned at Writers House, Clarion Books, Faye Bender Literary Agency, Dunow Carlson and Lerner, John Wiley and Sons, and SquareOne Publishers (along with stints as a waitress and a farmers’ market vendor).

Her passion lies in YA, Women’s Fiction, and mysteries. She gravitates toward stories with a strong voice and particularly enjoys complex female characters, narratives that explore social issues, and coming-of-age stories. Genres that appeal to her include contemporary YA, medieval fantasy, historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and upmarket Women’s Fiction. She finds it hard to resist gorgeous writing and is a sucker for romantic plotlines that are an element of the narrative, but don’t dominate it.

Danielle was involved in way too many singing groups in college and is always up for karaoke. She also enjoys both tea and coffee, managing to defy the naysayers who claim they’re an either-or thing. She is, however, distinctly a chocolate person.

Associate Editor Trish Daly was introduced to the world of publishing through New York University’s Summer Publishing Institute after graduating from Boston College in 2010. She was then lucky enough to join the wonderful team at William Morrow/Avon—a division of HarperCollins—going on to acquire and edit both fiction and nonfiction for William Morrow, Morrow Paperbacks and the digital-first Witness Impulse mystery line.

Trish is actively acquiring across genres and most interested in building her list in the following areas: sharp, character-driven mystery/crime; smart fiction with distinctive voice, in both contemporary and historical settings; and narrative nonfiction, with areas of interest including cultural history, science, and travel/adventure.

Denise (Deni) Dietz has been in the publishing business for 25-plus years. When she was in grade school she tried to hide her mom's hardcover Gone With the Wind inside her Dick and Jane reader. She got caught, learned her lesson, and hid her dad’s Perry Mason paperbacks instead. Deni still feels the same sense of joy and discovery when she reads a non–clichéd, character–driven novel. She says she wants to BE THERE, in the scene. For example, she doesn't want to know that General Santa Anna was captured in 1836. She prefers to know that he was naked except for his underpants.

She is the author of the bestselling Diet Club Mysteries and the Anthony-nominated Annie and the Grateful Dead. Under the pen name Mary Ellen Dennis, Deni wrote Heaven’s Thunder – a Colorado Saga – with an emphasis on Colorado’s silent film industry. Also, The Landlord’s Black-Eyed Daughter, chosen as one of Booklist’s 10 Best Books of the Year and nominated for an RT Award. Deni is often asked what she likes best: writing or editing? The answer is both. But here in this brief bio, she confesses that she likes working with new authors best, and when she offers one a contract she does a Snoopy dance.

A Colorado native, Associate Editor Chelsey Emmelhainz always knew she wanted to work with words. She’s been editing the work of amazing authors for William Morrow and Avon at HarperCollins since 2010 and she couldn’t be happier. Currently, she’s building a list that focuses on smart, sexy, high-concept romances and fiction that straddles the line between literary and commercial. When not lost in a book, Chelsey enjoys roller derby, painting, cooking with her husband, and plotting out wholly unnecessary crafts found on Pinterest (including recycling old books into nifty shoes).

She edits a wide range of fiction projects but is most drawn to smart, sophisticated commercial narratives. With a special love for debut authors, she is looking for unique voices that are amusing, honest, and perhaps even a little controversial. Upcoming titles include Jessica Tom’s smart, commercial fiction debut Bad Taste, No Awkward Goodbyes, a “hipster mystery” by debut author Libby Cudmore; and an atmospheric coming-of-age novel by Tamara Valentine called The Yemaya Stone. Chelsey also actively acquires contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense for Avon Books and Avon’s digital-first romance line, Avon Impulse; and gritty psychological suspense for William Morrow’s digital-first thriller and mystery line, Witness.

Sarah Joy Freese is a literary agent with WordServe Literary. She loves reading through queries, working with her authors on various proposals, and attending writing conferences to meet new excellent writers. Sarah especially enjoys working with authors to make their manuscripts even stronger. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She also has an MA (emphasis in creative writing) and an MLIS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Sarah is married and is enjoying life with her husband, son, and two birds, Brewster and Beamer. She is also excited for baby number two (due in April). When she is not working, Sarah enjoys crocheting, watching NCIS and Grey’s Anatomy, and playing Euchre.

After graduating from Midwestern State University with honors and a B.A. in English, Erin George quickly found a home at Henery Press, first as an intern and now a senior editorial assistant. Her interest in publishing stemmed from a lifelong dream of reading fabulous books all day, every day, and editing was a perfect fit. Erin is looking for all types of mysteries (with a particular love for cozies) and chick lit. She’s a sucker for a sassy protagonist, quick wit, plot twists, and a happy ending.

Erin currently lives and works in Dallas, TX. She has a spoiled-rotten Maltese named Wesley, loves Friends reruns and traveling, and bakes a mean banana nut chocolate chip muffin.

Carrie Howland is a literary agent at Donadio and Olson, Inc., where she represents literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, young adult, and middle grade authors. In addition to her own clients, she handles foreign, first serial, and audio rights for the agency. Carrie is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives and writes for its newsletter. She also enjoys speaking at various writing conferences throughout the year. Carrie holds a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Albion College, where she was the Poetry Editor of The Albion Review. Her poetry has appeared in various literary journals and magazines. In her spare time, Carrie volunteers as a foster for a local dog rescue. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Emily S. Keyes joined Fuse Literary in 2013 after working as an agent at the L. Perkins Agency for 2 years. Before entering the world of agenting, she worked in the contracts department of Simon & Schuster, Inc and graduated from New York University’s Center for Publishing. She uses her knowledge of contracts, copyright and the publishing business to benefit her clients and the Fuse team.

Emily is a particular lover of all types of young adult and middle grade books. She wants to represent the kind of stories that will resonate with kids for the rest of their lives. She loves strong voices and unique characters, not knock-offs or trend chasers. Some of her favorite authors include Deb Caletti, Laurie Halse Anderson, Gary D. Schmidt, and Megan Whalen Turner. She thinks books are best when they make you laugh and cry.

Emily is also looking for a select list of commercial fiction which includes fantasy & science fiction, women’s fiction, new adult fiction, along with pop culture and humor titles. She is not looking for poetry, short stories, picture books or anything that is “publishable” and not amazing.

Melissa Jeglinski is a graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English with a writing concentration. Melissa began her career as an editor with Harlequin Enterprises. Looking to work with a variety of authors and genres, she joined The Knight Agency in 2008. With over two decades experience in the publishing industry, Melissa has fostered her clients to National prominence including a Newbery Honor. She is a member of RWA and AAR. Melissa is currently seeking projects in the following areas: Romance (contemporary, category, historical, inspirational) Young Adult, Middle Grade, Women’s Fiction and Mystery.

Ben LeRoy is the publisher of Tyrus Books, an imprint of F+W Media specializing in crime and literary fiction. He is interested in novels that concern the lives of everyday people being thrown into extraordinary circumstances (most often surrounding an unexpected death) and how they continue to get up every morning in the face of the challenge. In addition to words, he loves baseball, community involvement, and traveling across the country.

Tiffany Schofield, Senior Editor
Five Star Publishing, A part of Gale/Cengage Learning
All Types of Crime Fiction from Cozy to Thriller / Traditional Western Fiction / Frontier Fiction during Pre-1920s American West

Tiffany Schofield, a University of Maine graduate, joined Five Star Publishing in 1999. She currently manages the Five Star Publishing imprint, as well as the western fiction large print lists for Thorndike Press and Wheeler Publishing, imprints Gale/Cengage Learning.

Tiffany oversees the editorial process of acquiring eighty-four unpublished manuscript projects each year for the three Five Star Publishing genre lists which are: Western, Mystery, and Frontier Fiction. She acquires large print rights for eighty Western fiction novels each year. She enjoys working with writers and agents and is passionate about discovering exciting new voices in fiction publishing.

Several Five Star novels have been selected as award finalists and winners. In 2013, Five Star Publishing was awarded the Western Writers of America Lariat Award. This esteemed award is given to companies and/or individuals who have achieved distinction in their support of Western Writers of America and the literature of the West.

Latoya C. Smith started her editorial career as an administrative assistant to New York Times bestselling author, Teri Woods at Teri Woods Publishing. Latoya worked at TWP seasonally while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree at Temple University. She graduated Cum Laude from Temple in August of 2005. She then attained a full-time position at Kensington Publishing in March of 2006. In October 2006, Latoya joined Grand Central Publishing, an imprint at Hachette Book Group. For the span of her eight years there, Latoya has acquired a variety of titles from Hardcover fiction and non-fiction, to digital romance and erotica titles. She was also featured in Publishers Weekly, USA Today as well as various author, book conference, and book blogger websites. She is the winner of the 2012 RWA Golden Apple for Editor of the Year. In early 2014, she appeared on CSpan2 where she contributed to a panel discussing the state of book publishing. Now an Executive Editor at Samhain Publishing, Latoya acquires short and long form mainstream romance and erotica as well as African American fiction and non-fiction.

Keir Graff is the editor of Booklist Online, a publication of the American Library Association, and the co-host of Publishing Cocktails, a popular literary gathering in Chicago. He is also the author of four novels for adults (including The Price of Liberty, a finalist for the Society of Midland Authors fiction award) and a middle-grade novel (The Other Felix, named “Best of the Best” by the Chicago Public Library).